Within Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE service area, Verizon customers with 4G LTE-enabled devices can post status updates and photos, surf the Web, share music, and download files at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks.

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE customers in the coverage area should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $3 billion into its New England network since 2000, including more than $297 million in 2011 alone, to increase coverage and capacity on behalf of customers.

“We’ve always believed that the best wireless devices deserve the best wireless networks,” said executive director for Network for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. “People across Massachusetts are increasingly relying on tablets, smartphones and apps to stay organized, connected and entertained. Our investment in Worcester County - and across New England - has kept us ahead of these consumer trends and underscores our belief that 4G LTE delivers the best value to customers by maximizing the performance of their wireless devices.”

As of March 15, Verizon's 4G LTE network covers more than 200 million people in 203 markets across the United States allowing consumers to take advantage of the blazingly fast speeds with a wide variety of 4G LTE devices, including the DROID 4 by Motorola and the DROID RAZR™ MAXX™ by Motorola.

Verizon Wireless plans to more than double the number of its 4G LTE markets, bringing the total markets to more than 400, by the end of the year. With the additional new markets and continued expansions, the company’s 4G LTE network will cover more than 260 million people in the United States by the end of 2012.

When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the largest, most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their areas.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network was named “Fastest 4G Network Yet” by Popular Science’s 2011 Best of What’s New Awards, and was ranked No. 1 on PC World’s 100 Best Products of 2011. For more information about Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.